Description
It is difficult for recovering addicts to get a job due to discrimination in the labour market. Aim: to explore and highlight the discrimination issue of recovering addicts in the labor market; strengthening the institutional and human resource capacities by developing a cooperation network to protect the rights of recovering addicts; to increase the number of involved volunteers, to promote their skills and competences on working with addicts. Main activities: arrangement of hotline for analyses of discrimination cases; participation in development of legislative initiatives; development of cooperation network; training of volunteers, development a home page. Results: overview of discrimination of recovering addicts; dissemination of information about the topic and representation at national level; increased competence of volunteers; increased awareness of society about the needs and possibilities of addicted people. Target group: addicts
Summary of project results
The project was necessary in order to study the actual situation of the addicts in the society, labour market, possibility to receive services from state or local municipality. Alongside the research, an NGO (foundation Nova Vita) capacity was built by introducing a phone hotline for consultations concerning addictions, and consultation room for face-to-face consultations. Volunteers and staff were involved and trained. The process of providing consultations to the addicts and co-addicts will continue beyond the project; also information will be collected about cases of discrimination. The aim of the project were, first, to explore direct and indirect discrimination of addicted persons who have completed the rehab program, in labour market, access to social security, public services and goods, involving NGOs, state institutions and society in the process. Second, goal is to increase the capacity of institutional and human resources that deal with discrimination of the addicts by forming a network of organisations engaged in re-socialisation of addicts to defend the rights of the addicts. Thus the problem of discrimination against the addicts would be represented at a national level and influence the development of policies. Third, on the level of organisation, we plan to increase the number of volunteers, develop their specific skills of working with addicts. Target group of the project is 17 NGO,12 NGOmembers (2 employees,10 volunteers), 100 addicted persons,100 co-addicted persons,8 businessmen. Place of implementation:Riga The main results of the project: Outcomes of the project are the consultation room and phone hotline, 550 questionnaires,213 phone consultations and 170 face-to-face consultations, propositions for amendments to the Labour Law of Latvia. A regional rehabilitation centre “Bethlehem Charity House” has been created in Olaine, agreement has been signed about creating a rehabilitation centre near Daugavpils. 17 NGOs that deal with problems of addiction have signed a memorandum and formed a national network. Nova Vita volunteers have had the opportunity to attend supervisions of approximately 200 hours about problems and issues with addictions, lead by psychologists, and receive more than 100 hours of psychologist’s consultations. This allows the volunteers to feel more secure and confident in their work with addicts and members of their families.
Summary of bilateral results